- Internship scheme boosts work skills for young people with additional needs
- National Grid urges other businesses to take part
A scheme involving youngsters from special needs schools in Nuneaton and Hinckley has scooped a national award.
“EmployAbility – Let’s work together”, is a supported internship scheme based on partnerships between schools, including Nuneaton’s Oak Wood School, and Hinckley employer National Grid. It beat off competition from companies across the UK to be named Community Initiative of the year at the prestigious Utility Week awards.
Now National Grid are hoping to use the success to encourage other businesses to take part.
Dave Tilley, who leads the scheme at Hinckley on behalf of National Grid, said: “We’re incredibly proud to win this award. In the two years “EmployAbility – Let’s Work Together” has been running across Hinckley and our other sites we’ve been able to improve the work skills of more than 50 young people who might otherwise have not been given a chance. Some of them have gone on to get permanent roles.
“However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are lots more capable young people who are unlikely to find jobs because the way companies traditionally recruit puts them at a disadvantage because of their disability. We’re looking for more local companies, big or small, to come on board. We can provide support to these companies, show them how the scheme works and they’ll soon realise the value these interns can bring to their business.”
Kevin Latham, Headteacher of Oak Wood School in Nuneaton, said: “We became involved with National Grid after hearing about the plans of the collaboration with Round Oak School, in Warwick, and we closely followed the successes of the first year. As with anybody who has links with young people with special educational needs, we are concerned about the shockingly low numbers of adults with learning difficulties who gain meaningful employment.
“The Employability project with National Grid has given our students real prospects to lead independent adult lives. Our students tell us that all they want is to be like other young people, and the work at National Grid is giving them that opportunity.
“We were blown away by the plans for - and success of - Employability at National Grid Warwick, and so when given the opportunity to be part of the programme at the Hinckley site we jumped in with both feet! We are now in the second year with two more interns at National Grid Hinckley following hot on the heels of the three from last year who all gained employment. Many of our students at Oak Wood Secondary Schools have great employable skills but never had the chance - they do now.”
The scheme works by giving interns from the schools experience working in a number of roles. Job Coaches from the schools work with the business to learn the roles, then support the students to do the work, before gradually stepping back and letting the interns do the job for themselves.
The hope is that eventually the interns can get a permanent role with the company, but if that’s not possible they will have gained a wealth of works skills and personal confidence that boosts their job prospects.
Companies interested in finding out more about EmployAbility or see it in action should call Rebecca Watson at National Grid on 01926 655256 or email Rebecca.Watson@nationalgrid.com